Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — The numbers tell a clear story: women are living longer than men. According to recent data, the average life expectancy for women hovers around 80 years, while for men, it trails behind at just 74. That’s an average difference of about six years. But beyond the statistics, lies a captivating question: what fuels this longevity gap?
In 1997, Jeanne Calment’s death made headlines. That’s because at age 122, she was the oldest verified person to have lived and it’s no coincidence she was a woman!
Research shows women are more likely to live longer than men. But why?
The reasons aren’t clear-cut. One possibility: genes. Early research suggests the XX set of female sex chromosomes may influence longevity. Scientists are also studying whether hormones like estrogen are linked to a longer life. One study showed women who experienced menopause later in life, and had more estrogen, lived longer. And lifestyle habits may play a role. Women are less likely to smoke or drink heavily and more likely to wear seatbelts and see their doctors for annual exams.
But just because women are outliving men, doesn’t mean they are living better.
Women are typically more physically frail than men in old age. They’re also more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and heart disease after menopause. And women are about twice as likely to have anxiety or depression at some point in their lives.
So, while the numbers show women often have more years, the focus is making sure they’re healthy and fulfilling.
Research suggests many other factors may contribute to the longevity of women. For example, a woman’s lifespan is less likely to be affected by gun violence, war, drug overdose, or suicide.
Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/life-expectancy.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_verified_oldest_people
